You can also reach us by phone at 888-342-0131 (Outside of North America 647-925-4154). If you are experiencing a longer than normal wait time, please use the form above or email us at support@touchbistro.com and a representative will contact you.

Do I have the Right Printer?

Print

TouchBistro does not support serial- or parallel-based printers. TouchBistro only supports the Ethernet-based printers (receipt and chit/ticket printers) listed on this page. As well, TouchBistro supports a limited number of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and USB receipt printers. One should note restrictions detailed below.

If you already have printers from a previous POS and you’re wondering if they are compatible with TouchBistro, compare their model numbers to the model numbers outlined in this guide. As well, compare the backs of your printers and ensure they match the backs of the supported printers depicted in this document. The connectors (Ethernet, power, and any cash drawer connection) need to match the depictions in this document. If they appear different, it is unlikely TouchBistro supports your existing printer hardware.

Remember, always have sufficient and proper paper supplies in stock before you open for service.

Note: Printers must be Ethernet connections. Using an adapter that turns your serial, USB, or parallel port printer into an Ethernet plug will not work with TouchBistro.

Note: TouchBistro does not support the USB connection on this printer for printing. However, you may use the printer’s USB port to charge devices (like your iPads or card readers). The port provides 5V/1.5A power which is suitable for charging all iPad models during operation except the Pro.

Note: Has an internal power supply and uses a standard three-prong power cable.

Star Micronics TSP654 HI X Connect (Receipt Printer)

The TSP654 HI X Connect version is supported by TouchBistro but not recommended.

The TSP654 HI X Connect version is distinguished by a dual USB/Ethernet port HI01 card with two USB power-only ports. TouchBistro cannot reserve a static IP in the SP654 HI X Connect printer via its printer set up dialog box. However, you can use the SP654 HI X Connect’s web interface to set a static IP. See this guide for full details.

Star Micronics Thermal TSP100III (143IIIW) Wi-Fi (Receipt Printer)

TouchBistro strongly recommends using Ethernet-based printers for maximum reliability. We do not recommend using Wi-Fi based printers in anything but small quick serve venues.

Star Micronics Thermal TSP100III (143IIIW) Front

Star Micronics Thermal TSP100III (143IIIW) Back

Star Micronics Thermal TSP100III (143IIIW) Bottom

Note: TouchBistro does not support the USB connection on this printer for printing. However, you may use the printer’s USB port to charge devices (like your iPads or card readers). The port provides 5V/1.5A power which is suitable for charging all iPad models during operation except the Pro.

Note: Has an internal power supply and uses a standard three-prong power cable.

Note: This printer should only be used with a limited number of Food Truck configurations. Bluetooth offers a slower data transmission rate compared to Ethernet. You will find with a Bluetooth printer it will be a bit slower than a LAN printer when printing receipts and tickets.

Note: This printer should only be used with a limited number of Food Truck configurations. Bluetooth offers a slower data transmission rate compared to Ethernet. You will find with a Bluetooth printer it will be a bit slower than a LAN printer when printing receipts and tickets.

This printer allows a direct connection between an iPad and the printer via a standard iPad lightning cable. If your iPad uses an iDynamo swiper, you won’t be able to use this model printer.

If you have a multi-iPad Pro system, other iPads connected to your Pro network will not be able to send print jobs to this printer. You may want this printer in your mix of printers if you want to create a “closed loop” printer at a counter or the bar. Only the iPad attached to the printer can print receipts to it and open the cash drawer. iPads connected by Wi-Fi will be unable to access the printer or open the cash drawer.

Note: This printer should not be confused with the TSP143U. The TSP143U does not support a lighting cable.

Ports

Most printers for use with TouchBistro have up to four ports:

Ethernet Port: an Ethernet port is used for connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi router. Your printer will identify your Ethernet port with the label “10/100BASE” or “100/10BASE”. IDN ports can resemble Ethernet ports but they are not the same and such printers are not compatible.

RJ12 Port: An RJ12 port (which resembles a telephone jack, although it is not to be confused with a phone cable/jack) connects to a cash drawer. The RJ12 cable between the printer and cash drawer sends the signal from TouchBistro to open the cash drawer. Some people will colloquially refer to this as the RJ11 but just remember it’s properly an RJ12 cable you need to plug into the RJ12 Port.

Power: This port you plug in the power cable. Some printers have an internal power source and use a standard three-prong power cord (similar to the cord that goes into the back of your monitor or desktop computer). Some printers have an external power source (a “brick”) and require a special power cord.

USB: TSP100III LAN and Bluetooth printers come with a USB Type A port. This port is only available as a way to power an iPad. However, the TSP1ooIII Lightning/USB printer uses the USB Type A port as a way to directly connect to an iPad for printing. TouchBistro does not use the USB Type B port.

Receipt vs Chit/Ticket Printer

Printers can be configured for two different roles:

Receipt Printer: A receipt printer prints bills and credit card receipts for the patron to sign. A receipt printer can be connected to your cash drawer. A receipt printer should have an Ethernet port and an RJ11 port. A receipt printer is usually a thermal printer. A thermal printer prints silently, as compared to an impact printer. A thermal printer is also better at rendering your venue’s logo on a receipt. Most receipt printers are in areas exposed to patrons and thermal printers are desirable to reduce noise.

Chit Printer: Chit printers (also called ticket printers) indicate orders to food/drink prep staff. A chit printer is not connected to a cash drawer and does not need an RJ11 port. It does need an Ethernet port, however. A chit printer is used in the kitchen or another food/drink prep area telling staff which items have been ordered and need to be prepared. A chit printer is usually an impact printer. Impact printers tend to be noisy and are usually only used in areas of a venue not exposed to patrons. If you need a chit printer in an area exposed to patrons and you need to minimize sound, you should use a thermal printer.

All Ethernet-based printers in this document can be used as chit/ticket printers.

Paper

If you have both thermal and impact printers, make sure each is loaded with the PROPER paper. If you load paper intended for an impact printer into a thermal printer, the thermal printer will not print. Thermal printers need a special heat sensitive paper.